What must be done in Afghanistan (IV): Better training
The fourth bit of advice from the smart, seasoned officer we’re calling Sam Damon: CSTC-A is a failure, not in leadership, but in capability. The capability for training host nation security forces resides in the BCT, not a stovepiped, parallel chain of command of ‘ad hoc-ery’ at best. The manning for those advisors are the ...
The fourth bit of advice from the smart, seasoned officer we’re calling Sam Damon:
CSTC-A is a failure, not in leadership, but in capability. The capability for training host nation security forces resides in the BCT, not a stovepiped, parallel chain of command of ‘ad hoc-ery’ at best. The manning for those advisors are the black and blue squad of the Army in a football team sense. They ain’t the first string. If this partnership is the main effort in word, then why are not holding the BCT CDRs accountable? Gen Petraeus knew about this before he took on Iraq and he changed it. Must happen here.”
U.S. Army
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.